Developing an effective three-stage teaching method for collaborative academic reading: Evidence from Chinese first-year college students

Abstract

Collaboration has been found to facilitate comprehension of challenging academic texts. Following the Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) model implemented in primary and secondary school classrooms, this researching EAP practice paper detailed the development of a three-stage teaching method to facilitate Chinese first-year college students’ comprehension of research articles. The three-stage teaching method consisted of individual reading, group discussion, and collaborative reflection. Drawing on the discussion and interview data from one of the reading groups, this study revealed their comprehension processes and collaborative use of strategies activated by the three stages. Specifically, results showed that the students prepared themselves for collaboration at the first stage, successfully constructed meaning collaboratively at the second stage, and modified their comprehension at the final stage. Implications and limitations of the three-stage teaching method for collaborative academic reading are also discussed.